Chang rejects calls for Shane Dalling to quit after Integrity Commission report on FLA

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has rejected opposition demands for Firearm Licensing Authority chief executive officer Shane Dalling to resign, following an Integrity Commission report into the agency’s operations.

Opposition MP Zuleika Jess told Parliament that the report, numbered 37 of 2026, pointed to serious failures at the authority, including missing ammunition, manipulated records and a server failure that erased key electronic evidence. She argued that Dalling should leave office immediately.

Chang said the report did not provide evidence requiring Dalling’s resignation or prosecution. He said problems at the FLA predated the current leadership and that Dalling was brought in to help correct long-standing weaknesses. Chang also said the ministry and the FLA board have strengthened oversight, including changes to board leadership and improved systems for dealers to communicate electronically with the authority.

The minister said ministry staff have monitored the FLA’s vault and maintained that no firearm or ammunition is missing. He said two rounds referenced in the controversy were found and replaced, while wider claims about missing items should be treated proportionately.

Opposition spokesperson on national security Fitz Jackson disagreed, saying the findings had further weakened confidence in the FLA. Political commentator Matthew White said the Integrity Commission’s conclusions should be treated seriously, especially where they raise concern about a private citizen being targeted through the agency’s processes.

Jess said public trust in the FLA was at “an all-time low” and argued that public officials can be held accountable even where no criminal charge is recommended.

The programme later turned to whether justices of the peace should receive a stipend. Jess supported a modest payment, saying JPs face costs for transport, printing and other expenses while carrying out public duties. Former Lay Magistrates Association president Trevor Heaven said the law currently prohibits JPs from charging for services. St Andrew custos Ian Forbes also noted that the Justice of the Peace Act of 2018 bars JPs from accepting gifts or payment for their work.